The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-06-25

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human welfare as it is our duty to do,
and as Christianity warrants us in do
ing, we might accomplish almost any
thing we please. We little realize how
much it is possible for single individ-
ual to do in rendering the situation of
man in society comfortable and happy.
And is it not ours to commence renew
eddy in moving forward in this work,
and we ought not to rest until truth shall
have found in every heart home.
And what a glory does our world afford
to that person, who, in the silent teach
ings Of his heart, goes forth under the
broad, blue sky, and looks upon deeds
we'll performed, and life well spent.
1t was but short time since that I was
favored with the perusal of the Memoir
of Thomas Whittemore, father in our
Israel, and I read how he went from
place to place, preaching wherever there
was an opening for him, scattering the
seed far and wide. His whole heart
was in the work, and he sowed bis ideas
broadcast. Think of what the fathers
have done, the devotion and zeal which
made them such kindling power
wherever their ministry extended. They
have helped to make our movement
most potent; if they were remunerated,
well, but if not, they were not dis
heartened, but went again all the same.
Do we consider these faithful ones
that have toiled so nobly for our up
building, and the consecrated services
which have given us name to live.
Not for wealth, or influence, or honor,
did they labor, but that the cause might
prosper, and their fellow-men be blest.
We ought to do even better than they.
But, o, if we had but half their de-
votedness, half their self-sacrifice and
missionary spirit, what great things
might be done for our cause! If twelve
illiterate fishermen could fill Jerusalem
with their doctrines, what might not
we do, if we were only to set about it
in earnest.
And now, submitting these thoughts,
what should be the measure of our fidel-
ity to the Christian cause 2 Is there
any good reason why score of liberal
churches should not spring up in differ
emit towns and localities, all over our
State in the next twelve months, and
why the great central principles and
convictions which we have cherished,
should not be put into the minds of
thousands of persons who are hun
gering and thirsting for the truth which
we have to give. o, that the Christ
would come again, and visit us with
such reviving Of interest, and faith
in our cause, as shall change every
doubt into a sacramental host of the
living God, in whose conquests shall be
involved the future Of our people, and
the hope of the world. The great ques-
ton we have to ask, is, ''Have we the
spirit of sacrifice ?" Are we willing to
part with reasonable portion of our
substance, for the planting of the relig-
ion we have espoused Have we done
our duty in this respect ? Are we will
ing to do our part in every Christian
enterprise, according to the magnitude
of it, and according to our comparative
ability ? Is the gospel put in our charge
that we may hide it in our hearts, as
miser hides and boards his treasure,
and have we nothing to do to spread it
abroad when it is being neglected and
perverted by so many? May we see
ignorance, and not strive to enlighten
it; sin, and not wish to remove it; a
mind in chains, and not aid to free it;
a soul hurrying to destruction, and not
rush to stop it? Shall we hear our
brethren crying for the bread of life.
and say, and do nothing to supply them?
Can we not give our means for the sup
port of this evangel of ours, and in ev-
cry way in our power, minister to its
triumph
No less questions than these should
be allowed to take their place, and we
should halt before no obstacles, nor
yield to any doubts or fears in returning
our answers. God has not loved the
world, and sent that Son of his for
naught. The gospel of Christ has not
come upon earth to be failure. And
let this be our inspiration. We will
not any of us live many years at most.
But what we do for the gospel win live
when we have passed away, and have
its redeeming influence in human hearts
and institutions, and so through human
instrumentalities, and by Gods power,
the old prophecies shall be fulfilled,
and the worlds redemption shall come.
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PA SoRS AND POLITICS.